Hôtel de Gayling d’Altheim

In 1773, Louis XV bestowed a baronial title upon the Gayling d’Altheim family. Their legacy is etched into the very stones of Hôtel de Gayling d’Altheim. This grand hôtel particulier stands before you on Rue des Veaux, a testament to their influence in Strasbourg. The façade, with its ornate portal and distinctive roofline punctuated by a charming lucarne, whispers tales of 18th-century elegance. Hôtel de Gayling d’Altheim suffered damage during wartime, but its core structure remains, a resilient echo of its past. It stands as a privately owned residence, its history intertwined with a family whose roots trace back to the counts of Hanau-Lichtenberg. The Gayling d’Altheims, originally “von Altheim” from Hesse, rose to prominence through administrative roles. Their story in Alsace began with Heinrich Christoph Gayling, a cavalry general during the Thirty Years’ War. His son, Philippe Henri, married into the local nobility, solidifying their position. One notable descendant, Philippe Christophe, served as president of the Regency of the County of Hanau-Lichtenberg. His sons furthered the family’s fortunes, acquiring the village of Buswiller and building a country chateau. Another descendant, Christian Henri, became a prominent figure in Baden, serving as Minister of State and Finance. Hôtel de Gayling d’Altheim is more than just a building. It represents the enduring legacy of a family who navigated the complexities of war, politics, and social mobility. It’s a window into a fascinating period of Strasbourg’s history, a tangible link to the Gayling d’Altheim family’s enduring mark on the city.